The chilling allure of true crime, particularly tales shrouded in ambiguity and historical intrigue, continues to captivate audiences. Ryan Murphy and Ian Brennan’s ‘Monster’ anthology series masterfully taps into this fascination, with its latest installment delving into the infamous 1892 case of Lizzie Borden. Accused of the brutal axe murders of her father and stepmother, Borden’s acquittal left a legacy of lingering questions, conspiracy theories, and a story ripe for dramatic re-telling. It’s the kind of narrative — one featuring a potentially sympathetic or enigmatic killer — that elevates true crime from mere horror to a psychological puzzle. If the dark corridors of ‘Monster: The Lizzie Borden Story’ left you craving more, prepare to dive into these 10 equally compelling series.
Candy (2022)
The name Candy Montgomery has become synonymous with suburban horror, much like Lizzie Borden. Portrayed brilliantly by Jessica Biel in this Hulu miniseries (following Barbara Hershey’s 1990 turn and preceding Elizabeth Olsen’s in ‘Love & Death’), Candy’s story is an impeccably recreated 1980s nightmare. Accused of murdering her neighbor, Betty Gore (Melanie Lynskey), with an axe after an affair with Betty’s husband, Allan (Pablo Schreiber), the series meticulously explores the question: was it cold-blooded murder or a desperate act of self-defense? Biel’s nuanced performance adds layers to a woman whose motives remain hotly debated, making ‘Candy’ an essential watch for fans of ambiguous true crime. Stream ‘Candy’ on Hulu.
The Lizzie Borden Chronicles (2015)
For those who found themselves wishing for a more definitive answer to Lizzie Borden’s guilt, ‘The Lizzie Borden Chronicles’ offers a deliciously speculative, almost fan-fiction-esque continuation of her story. Starring a phenomenal Christina Ricci, this TV movie picks up after Lizzie’s acquittal, boldly asserting her culpability. As Lizzie and her sister Emma (Clea DuVall) attempt to navigate life post-trial, a relentless Pinkerton agent (Cole Hauser) shadows their every move. A journey to New York City plunges Lizzie into a dangerous love triangle and a confrontation with a pimp, proving that crossing this particular ‘young murderer’ is a grave mistake. Stream ‘The Lizzie Borden Chronicles’ on Prime Video.
The Staircase (2022)
Moving beyond conventional true crime narratives, ‘The Staircase’ adopts a meta-approach to its perplexing story, inspired by the acclaimed documentary of the same name. Colin Firth delivers a powerful performance as real-life crime novelist Michael Peterson, whose wife, Kathleen (Toni Collette), dies after a fall down a flight of stairs. Peterson’s conviction for murder, later reduced to voluntary manslaughter, leaves a trail of unanswered questions. The series brilliantly spotlights the myriad individuals caught in the whirlwind—lawyers, family, and even the French film crew documenting it all—offering a profound glimpse into the human cost of such a high-profile case. Stream ‘The Staircase’ on HBO Max.
The Twisted Tale of Amanda Knox (2025)
The sensational trial of American student Amanda Knox, accused of murdering her roommate Meredith Kercher in Perugia, Italy, is revisited in this compelling series. ‘The Twisted Tale of Amanda Knox’ meticulously dramatizes the prosecution’s relentless media smear campaign and the subsequent conviction, despite a glaring lack of evidence and the eventual identification of the actual killer. Grace Van Patten shines in the lead role, while the series gains unique authenticity from Knox herself serving as an executive producer, alongside Monica Lewinsky—another figure intimately familiar with being tried in the court of public opinion. Stream ‘The Twisted Tale of Amanda Knox’ on Hulu.
The Act (2019)
The disturbing and complex story of Gypsy-Rose Blanchard, who conspired in the murder of her mother, Dee Dee, after years of severe psychological abuse (Munchausen by Proxy), is explored with chilling depth in ‘The Act.’ Joey King’s transformative portrayal of Gypsy-Rose and Patricia Arquette’s terrifying performance as Dee Dee earned rave reviews. The series delves into the profound trauma and manipulation that led to a desperate act, offering a nuanced look at a case that has only grown more intricate as Gypsy-Rose’s life has unfolded in the public eye. Stream ‘The Act’ on Hulu.
Why Women Kill (2019 – 2021)
From the creative mind of Marc Cherry (‘Desperate Housewives’) comes ‘Why Women Kill,’ a darkly comedic anthology series that lives up to its title. The first season masterfully interweaves the stories of three women across different decades—the 1960s, 1980s, and the present—all linked by a single home and, crucially, by their compelling reasons to commit murder. Starring Ginnifer Goodwin, Lucy Liu, Kirby Howell-Baptiste, and Allison Tolman, the show explores infidelity, betrayal, and the extreme lengths women are pushed to when their lives unravel. It’s a stylish, witty, and often shocking examination of the female psyche under duress. Stream ‘Why Women Kill’ on Paramount+.
These series, much like ‘Monster: The Lizzie Borden Story,’ delve into the darker corners of human nature, challenging viewers to confront the ambiguities of justice, motive, and perception. Prepare for a binge-watching experience that will leave you questioning everything you thought you knew about crime and punishment.
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